Aphasia: Anatomical Planes/Positions

Anterior

structures toward the front of the body

Posterior

structures toward the back of the body

Superior

refers to upper structures (above)

Inferior

refers to lower structures (below)

Superficial

towards the surface

Deep

away from the surface

Dorsal

toward the backbone or back of the body

Ventral

away from the backbone (towards the
front/belly)

Cranial

toward the head

Rostral

toward the nose/ near the front end

Caudal

toward the tail/back bone

Medial

toward midline

Lateral

away from midline

Proximal

near a given position

Distal

away from a given position

Contralateral

on the opposite side

Ipsilateral

on the same side

Afferent

towards the center (towards the brain)

Efferent

away from the center (away from the brain)

What is the anatomical plane that divides into top/bottom?

transverse/horizontal

What is the anatomical plane that is a vertical cut that divides into right and left halves?

sagittal/ mid-sagittal

What is the anatomical plane that is a vertical cut that divides into front/back?

coronal/frontal